BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The European Vending Association reports that it has signed an agreement with the German vending operators' association BDV (the Bundesverband der Deutschen Vending- Automatenwirtschaft e.V.) to participate in the Eu´Vend trade fair for a second time. The biennial event is held at the Cologne Fairgrounds; this year's is set for Sept. 19 through 21.

EVA and BDV will share a booth, offering information about their programs and services. EVA also will participate in the conference's education program.

The 2013 Eu´Vend again will be held in conjunction with Coffeena, the international coffee fair. The first co-location of the two shows, in 2011, proved very successful. "Bringing the trade fairs together has really paid off, because the already high level of coffee expertise at Eu´Vend is enhanced by Coffeena," according to Koelnmesse, which administers the shows.

EVA reported that virtually every segment of the vending industry was represented at the 2011 event.

The variety of coffee and related products and accessories on display two years ago expanded substantially over 2009's exhibit, in large part because of the co-location with Coffeena, the association said. In 2011, 237 suppliers from 28 countries displayed their wares. This was an increase of 25% over the 2009 fair, reflecting more international exhibitors who comprised 40% of the total.

Visitor turnout also increased, EVA said, by nearly 16%, of which 30% was international. In 2013, the association predicts that attendance will increase again.

The European Vending Association represents the interests of the continent's vending industry before European governments and regulatory bodies. Its members include both national trade associations (at present, 19 organizations representing 20 countries), as well as individual companies throughout Europe.